Three scouts to receive Triple Eagle Scout Medal of Honor

While most soon to be 18-year-olds are playing video games and having fun at parties, three local scouts were working hard to obtain a very special medal of honor.

“What they have done is they started scouting in first grade and they went all through cub scouts and boy scouts and now they are receiving the highest reward in scouting, the Eagle Scout,” said Robert Diem, unit leader.

Cousins, Dominic Cinelli and Matthew Diem, along with their friend Matthew Lanning each performed a service project to obtain the highest rank in scouting. The requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout include 21 total merit badges with 12 required badges, troop leadership, and the previous rank of Life Scout. If that isn’t enough for one person to do, the scouts also have to individually complete an Eagle Scout Service Project, one that helps a non-profit service organization.

“The planning is really a big part of it because it teaches the boy leadership. The boy really doesn’t have to lift a hammer on the project but they have to plan it and execute the whole idea. It is a learning experience and some place in WNY will benefit from it,” said Diem.

Matthew Diem built dug out roofs for the Clevehill Little League, Matthew Lanning collected food and built shelves for the Family Promise of WNY, and Dominic Cinelli built a 10-foot bridge that covered a ravine for the Grand Island Islandview Apartments.

“The project is very tough for the boy to get through. It really is quiet an accomplishment,” said Diem. “They have to complete it before their 18th birthday and they cannot be a day over.”

The three members of BSA Troop 470 will be honored for their commitment and dedication to the scouts 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 at the Hennessey Hall at Infant of Prague RC Church, Cheektowaga. All of their futures look very bright as they continue their path to success in college.